need advice for what to start out with

rossfox

Member
Hey all. I have been reading and visiting this site now for about 2 weeks or so. I am getting close to picking out a system to begin with. Here is what I think I am wanting. I've looked at quite a few multicopters, but still confused

I have about $2500.00 to $3000.00 to put into a aerial platform.
a. I would like for it to be midsize??, kinda like what have read about with the DJI 550.
b. I would like it to have a good flight stabilization control unit - maybe not the best, but good.
c. GPS hold and return
d. good camera mount with stalization system for the GoPro 3
e. first person video - I understand that a stand alone is best, and not use the camera for the fpv
f. good motors and speed control
g. recommended batteries

I have the several helicopter radios already. JR brand, model 8503 I think, and I think they are 7 channel. If I need to upgrade to another radio, I would be willing to do so, as all of my radios are currently on the ham band and not 2.4 ghz, and they are a number of years old.

I will probably get the GoPro 3 to use and learn on and maybe a NEX 5, 6, or 7 - I've been wanting to get a new still camera anyway.

I've built and flown rc helis since 1984, and know how to build them right and maintain them. I can fly 3D fairly well. All of my helis have been nitro, so far, so I am not totally up to speed on electric motors and speed controls and batteries.

And a good place to purchase. Thanks, Ross in Georgia
 

Droider

Drone Enthusiast
DJI 550
Naza with GPS
I would get frame only and stick some decent motors on. Tiger with 20/25amo ESC's again tigers, Maytech or Hobbywing pentiums.
There are laods of new diredt drive gimbals about to explode on to the market for the GP3 whick I would say is a good camera for the 550. No doubt I will get shouted down here now but really thats all the 550 is designed to fly. there is to much flex in the fram for anything much heavier. May be a Nex5 but more than that and I think you will need to move up to a carbon frame.

As long as you have a coulple of three way switches on your radios you will be able to use all the features of the Naza.

Hope this helps. Surprised the 550 possy on here have not umped in sooner.

Good luck and keep posting questions

Dave
 

hjls3

Member
just to add to what Dave said...and I did not know there was a 550 posse, but I would join :) - my first rig was a 550. imho it is a fantastic rig to get going. - mine has been utterly abused and she still keeps on giving. cheap and easy to fix (parts are quick to get) and you will learn what you need to know to make steps towards bigger more complicated setups. I did by a second 550 and beefed it up, extended the arms - axi motors - av130 and tried carrying a bigger camera. knowing what i know now - that wasnt a good idea. Today i love my 550 for exactly what it was designed for - having fun. I think i would just get the whole DJI stock setup - minus the props. The motor/esc bullet connectors might need a bit of attention but to be fair - for learning - motors are fine. after you crash a few times and maybe mess up those stock motors - then replace em. So to start - get the 550 - learn to fly - have some fun - then add FPV, learn the ins and outs - and by then - maybe all these new direct drive gimbals will be readily available.

Radio - I have been a JR guy for quite a while with planes, heli's and my first few MR's. The 9503 is a great radio. Recently went to a FUtuba 8fgs and quite frankly - for the money - that is a hard radio to beat. Will be a very long time before you out grow that radio. Currently I am still a bit confused about the S.Bus stuff but I am working on it. Can tell you it really tidys up the rig.
 

Benjamin Kenobi

Easy? You call that easy?
+1 to the F550. I would say keep it stock but with new props. And +1 to the naza. Just plug and play. I also came from Helis and 3D so had learnt not to pointlessly upgrade a machine until it is useless. I just hard mounted my GoPro and if you fly smooth it can produce good videos. Add a gimbal and halve your flight time.

Have fun!
 

dr427

Trying to figure it out!
+1 to the F550. I would say keep it stock but with new props. And +1 to the naza. Just plug and play. I also came from Helis and 3D so had learnt not to pointlessly upgrade a machine until it is useless. I just hard mounted my GoPro and if you fly smooth it can produce good videos. Add a gimbal and halve your flight time.

Have fun!

Because the gimbal eats that much of the battery?
 


Benjamin Kenobi

Easy? You call that easy?
Yes that man. You want to try and keep your rig as light as possible for its size. The F550 isn't that big so a gimbal and skids do weigh it down a bit. I have just built an S800 and an surprised how light it is. The lipos and the Zenmuse are twice what the frame and skids are. WTMI.

That aside, I see lots of people with skids and gimbals under an F550. Just expect around 6 minutes flying time (you can do a lot in 6 minutes!).

I would recommend 4S. I found it a much more efficient setup (motors run cool, you can use smaller props so a bit less vibration).

You have a decent budget to be honest so there are many choices

Coolio?
 

rossfox

Member
Thanks for all the advise and I will take it to heart. I may make a trip down to Atlanta Hobby this week, as that will be about 115 miles for me. I've never been there, and hopefully it is a good hobby store with a decent focus on multirotors. Might be worth it, if they some inventory to look at. Ross
 

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